ARSONISTS targeted an allotment shed which contained a hazardous gas cylinder for the third time in a week.

Firefighters were called to the fire in Settle Street, Great Lever, at 10 pm on Sunday.

When they arrived and started to tackle the blaze they found an LPG gas cylinder inside the shed, which is used to keep gardening tools.

Crew manager Paul Rushby said: "The behaviour of the people who are starting these fires is very irresponsible because it is putting people's lives at risk.

"We spoke to some residents who live nearby and they say this is the third time in a week that the shed has been set alight.

"We did not know the shed contained a gas cylinder when we arrived, which is very dangerous.

"If they fracture, parts of the canister can fly some distance and the gas can cause fireballs, but fortunately on this occasion no one was hurt."

A member of the public contacted the fire service and a crew from Bolton central station spent 45 minutes putting out the blaze.

The police are investigating the incidents.